Botox Lip Flip: How Many Units Will You Need for Best Results?

Dosage Guide & Before/After Results

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist

If you’ve been curious about trying a lip flip but aren’t sure how many Botox units you’ll need—don’t worry, I’ve been there too.

When I first considered it, I had naturally thin lips and wanted just a little extra shape and lift without going overboard. I’d already tried filler (which helped with softness), but it didn’t give me quite the definition I was looking for.

That’s when I added a lip flip—and I’m so glad I did. See what my lip flip looks like here.

Most people need about 4 to 6 units of Botox for a lip flip, but the exact amount depends on your lip shape, muscle strength, and injector technique.

Curious what lip filler can do on its own (or paired with a flip)? Check out the top 10 lip filler benefits and why I like using both for a subtle, natural-looking lift.

How a Botox lip flip works (placement and purpose)

First things first, let's break down what exactly a Botox lip flip entails.

A Botox lip flip is a quick treatment that gives your upper lip a subtle lift by relaxing the muscles around your mouth. This helps your top lip gently roll outward, making it look fuller—without adding volume like filler does.

The entire procedure takes just a few minutes, and it's virtually painless. Here’s how it went for me:

• My injector cleaned the area (no numbing cream needed—I was fine without it).
• She used a super-thin needle to inject two tiny spots on each side of my upper lip.
• Total: 4 units of Botox.
• It felt like a quick pinch, and I was out the door in under 5 minutes.

No swelling, no real downtime—just two red dots I easily covered with makeup.

ABZ Tip: If it’s your first time, ask your injector to talk you through each step—it really helps calm the nerves.

5 insider tips that affect how many Botox units you’ll need

If you want your lip flip to look natural and last, these five insider tips will help you figure out how many units you may need—and why it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation:

1. Your muscle strength matters
Stronger lip muscles (like if you purse your lips often or use straws a lot) may require more Botox to relax the area enough for a flip.

2. Your natural lip shape affects the dose
Thin lips often need a slightly higher dose to see visible curl. If you have fuller lips, you may need less.

3. Filler history can influence how Botox settles
If you've had filler before, it can slightly alter the shape and may reduce how many units you need for lift. I’ve had both, but still only needed 4 units. This is according to Mandi Johnson, RN Injector a Registered Nurse Injector at Refresh and Refine Spa. She's my go-to-girl for a Botox lip flip procedure.

4. The look you want changes everything
If you're going for super subtle definition, 4 units may be perfect. But if you want a bigger lift (especially when smiling), your injector might recommend more.

5. Facial structure varies—even by ethnicity
A Pan-Asian consensus study¹ found that ideal Botox doses vary by ethnicity and facial anatomy. That’s why it’s so important to work with someone who tailors the dose to your features.

ABZ Tip: Start small. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it back once it’s in!

What 4 units of Botox looks like on thin lips

8 days post-injection. Subtle lift with 4 units of Botox.

Here’s the result of getting exactly 4 units (2 on each side) injected into my upper lip. 

This photo was taken 8 days post-treatment—when the flip fully settled in. That’s when I really noticed my upper lip had a bit more shape and didn’t disappear when I smiled.

Just enough lift to shape the lip without adding bulk.

I could have gone with a higher dose for more projection, but I loved the natural look. This is why I always recommend starting small.

Want to see the full injection-to-recovery timeline? Check out my lip flip before and after photo story here.

How long does a lip flip last

Most lip flips last 3 to 4 months. Some people get longer results with touch-ups.

Factors that affect duration:

• How fast your body metabolizes Botox
• Your lip muscle strength
• Your injector’s technique

Touch-ups can help results last longer and require fewer units over time.

Lip flip recovery and side effects

Recovery is typically quick and easy—especially with small doses like 4 units.

Common side effects are usually mild and fade within a few days. They may include:

• Slight bruising or swelling at the injection sites
• Mild tenderness or discomfort
• Trouble drinking from a straw or puckering

These are manageable with ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers (though I personally didn’t need either).

Note: I had 4 units injected into my upper lip and didn’t experience any of these side effects—but results can vary.

Rare but more severe side effects may occur, especially if too many units are used:

• Over-relaxed muscles that affect your smile or facial expressions
• Asymmetry in your lips (uneven curl or smile)
• Trouble speaking, eating, or using a straw
• Numbness or loss of lip sensation
• Extended recovery with longer-lasting swelling or discomfort

That’s why it’s so important to start small and work with someone experienced.

Takeaway: Start small

For me, 4 units was just right—enough to lift and shape my upper lip without changing my overall look. But your perfect dose might be slightly different depending on your lip shape, muscle strength, and goals.

The key? Start small. You can always add more later.

If you're curious about what the results actually look like on thin lips, check out my before and after photos.

And if you're thinking about combining it with filler, here’s what lip filler can really do—and why I still do both.

Whether you're new to lip treatments or just want something subtle, a lip flip might be that tiny tweak that makes a big difference. It was for me. 💋

Curious what else Botox can do? Here are 10 benefits that might surprise you.

Related:

If you're thinking about a Botox lip flip for fuller lips, don’t forget to nourish them! Try this DIY lip balm recipe to keep your lips soft, hydrated, and healthy between treatments.

Want to keep your lips looking youthful naturally? Check out these anti-aging lip care tips for simple ways to reduce lip wrinkles, boost lip hydration.

¹ Source: Sundaram et al., 2016 – Pan-Asian Consensus on Aesthetic Botox Use

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